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Pacific Grove council finalizes district-based elections map and report, 6-0
Summary
By unanimous vote the council adopted on second reading an ordinance establishing district-based elections using map 101 and approved the Elections Code report documenting the findings required by Elections Code section 21130(f).
The Pacific Grove City Council completed its transition from at-large to district-based elections by adopting on second reading the ordinance establishing district elections and approving the required Elections Code report supporting the chosen map.
What council adopted: The council adopted the ordinance on its second reading establishing district-based elections and sequencing for future elections, designating Map 101 as the map for six city council districts. The council also approved the written report required by Elections Code section 21130(f) documenting findings on population equality, contiguity, communities of interest and other statutory criteria.
Key findings in the report: Staff presented the required findings: Map 101 has a maximum population deviation under the legal 10% threshold (reported maximum deviation 8.9%); the city found it was not possible to create a single-member district in which a protected minority group would constitute a majority; the districts are geographically contiguous, respect local communities of interest and follow natural and artificial barriers where practicable. The staff presentation covered statutory subsections under Elections Code 21130.
Council action: The council voted to adopt the ordinance on its second reading and to approve the report (attachment 3 in the agenda packet). The motion to adopt and to approve the report passed on a voice vote 6-0.
Why it matters: Moving to district-based elections changes how council members will be elected going forward and is the culmination of a multi-hearing process that included public input and prior hearings (the council's March 5 meeting was cited as the fourth hearing). The report and ordinance were published in summary form as required prior to the second reading.
Next steps: With the ordinance adopted, the city will publish the final ordinance summary and implement the sequencing for district-based elections. Any future legal challenges or map modifications would proceed under state law.
